FREE-WILi 2 Development Platform Opened for Preorder
The new handheld electronics platform features dual microcontrollers and an integrated Linux computing environment.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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The FREE-WILi 2 has launched for preorder as a handheld development platform for electronics engineering and wireless testing. The device integrates Raspberry Pi hardware with an FPGA and a 3.5-inch touchscreen to serve as a mobile electronics laboratory.
Why it matters
By consolidating the functions of a wireless testing tool and an embedded system into a portable unit, the platform streamlines the development process for engineers. It provides a modular approach to hardware testing by managing 17 distinct power zones with ultra-low-power microcontrollers.
The device features two Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontrollers paired with a Lattice iCE40UP5K FPGA and an ESP32-C5 for wireless connectivity. The system weighs 290 g and operates via a 3000 mAh battery powering a 3.5-inch 480 × 320-pixel touchscreen.
The players
Raspberry Pi
This is a UK-based non-profit foundation that designs low-cost, credit-card-sized single-board computers used widely in industrial and educational projects.
Lattice Semiconductor
This company is a major manufacturer of programmable logic devices, including FPGAs used in low-power and small-form-factor electronics applications.
The details
The platform includes a dedicated Linux environment via a Raspberry Pi CM0 and offers a programmable power supply ranging from 1 to 5.5 V at 1.5 A. Development is supported through multiple firmware interfaces, including a OneWili API and a USB command-line system.
Timeline
Preorders for the device opened on October 6, 2026.
The Founders Edition units are scheduled to ship in Q4 2026.
The Tech Race
The device follows the performance patterns established by the integration of the Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller architecture into portable form factors. This shift moves complex electronics development away from bench-bound equipment and toward a mobile, all-in-one ecosystem.
Users can replace multiple pieces of stationary lab equipment with this single handheld unit, significantly reducing the physical footprint of their development workspace. The device offers improved workflow flexibility by allowing developers to manage power zones and run wireless tests directly in the field.
The takeaway
This development platform illustrates the trend toward consolidating laboratory-grade testing tools into highly portable, Linux-based hardware environments. Engineers should consider how such integrated devices can eliminate the need for redundant peripherals in their daily testing routines.
What happens next
The Founders Edition of the FREE-WILi 2 development platform is scheduled to begin shipping to customers in Q4 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on new hardware developments, explore the Consumer Electronics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electronics For You - Official Site ElectronicsForU.com.
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Would you consider switching to an all-in-one handheld device for your electronics development projects?
